Griffin Cole, a student in Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, and participant in the school’s Seraph Players performing arts program, was chosen to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Summer Program in London, England.

Established in 1904, RADA offers world-leading vocational training for actors, stage managers, designers and technical stage craft specialists and has built a reputation as a world-renowned center of excellence, offering the best possible facilities, exceptional teaching and strong links with the industries that employ graduates.

The summer program is offered to students ages 18 and older and selects only 15 students to participate each year. Cole will be one of the younger performers in the five-week program that focuses on singing technique, musical coaching, dance, speech, scene study, monologue, staging, voice and stage combat. He will also be involved in masterclasses with various West End actors, dancers and directors who are currently working on shows.

Last year, Cole made his debut in Mater Dei Prep’s musical as King Triton in The Little Mermaid and Lord Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher. He was nominated for many prominent awards that include the 2015-16 Count Basie Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical and the New Jersey Teen Arts Festival Vocal Solo/Small Ensemble Award.

“Joining a group like the Seraph Players has allowed me to open up and grow as an actor,” Cole said. “The program is very supportive and has helped increase my confidence on stage. The family-like nature of the Seraph Players is extremely encouraging and has helped bring me to a new level.”

Cindy Dwyer, the school’s performing arts director said, “Griffin has always been a hard worker and a true blessing to have in the Seraph Players. He is constantly trying to perfect his talent by taking new classes and I just know that he will shine at RADA.”